Author(s): SARTOR, F., RAIMO, M., MONTENEGRO, S., DITALI, L., AMICONE, M., CAMPLONE, P., BERCHICCI, M., BERTOLLO, M., DI BLASIO, A., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF CHIETI-PESCARA, Country: ITALY, Abstract-ID: 1491

INTRODUCTION:
Sedentary lifestyle is widespread among white-collar employees and is a major risk factor for all-cause mortality. Although many interventions tried to increase physical activity levels focusing on lifestyle-based behavioral strategies many overlooked target group’s preferences, work-related time constraints and logistical feasibility. This study aimed to test the efficacy of a self-selected body and mind exercise program, deployed directly in the workplace and designed to accommodate employees’ busy schedules.
METHODS:
Two focus groups (16 workers) were conducted three months before the intervention. This input was used to craft a specific body and mind intervention. Eighty sedentary white-collar employees (age: 51 ± 5.5, BMI: 29.9 ± 5.1, 13% smokers, 32% on hypertension treatment, 2 females) from the National Administrative Center of the Arma dei Carabineri were randomized to a body-and-mind intervention group (BM) or control group (C). The BM group underwent an 8-week exercise program choosing freely among ≥3 weekly sessions offered at three convenient times (pre‑work, lunch break, post‑work), including strength training, functional exercise, and Tai Chi. Several physical and mental parameters were assessed pre- and post- intervention. Here we report Ruffier-Dickson test to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), number of push-ups for muscle strength, and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire for Global Health and Quality of Life (QoL).
RESULTS:
Linear Mixed Models (LMMs) with random intercepts (ICC>0.10) showed a significant group x time interaction for push-ups (BM group + 6.34 reps., 95% CI 4.13-8.37 vs. C group + 2.82 reps., CI 1.38 – 4.25; <0.001, Conditional R2 = 0.86). Among covariates, antihypertensive medication was a meaningful negative predictor (−3.10 reps., 95% CI –5.50 to –0.70). No interaction was found for CRF (BM group – 1.03 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, 95% CI -3.10 –1.04 vs. C group 1.02 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, 95% CI -0.43 – 2.48 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, p=0.329, Conditional R2 = 0.74). Across covariates, BMI and age were associated with significantly lower CRF (−1.08 and −0.24 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ per unit increase, respectively). Training adherence was generally high (median 0.92; IQR 0.78–1.00), but did not predict push up improvements. An ANCOVA-type LMM using median split adherence showed no difference between high‑ and low‑adherence participants (22.7 vs. 20.9 reps; p = 0.35). Neither Global Health nor Global QoL showed significant group × time interactions (both p > 0.30; Conditional R² = 0.443 and 0.503, respectively).
CONCLUSION:
The co‑designed workplace exercise program achieved high adherence over eight weeks and led to meaningful gains in muscle strength, though not in CRF or perceived health and QoL. Showing that participants preferred strength‑oriented sessions over aerobic activity. Future analyses will explore the specific contribution of Tai Chi on autonomic nervous system balance measured throughout the intervention.